Tips for First-Time Cruisers

[az_2_nc2013]

Hello all!

 

My husband and I are taking our first-ever cruise May 14-21, 2017, and since I found this website and the discussion boards, I thought it would be a great place to ask for some tips, suggestions, secrets, any anything else you'd like to share with some cruising newbies!

 

We're doing the Western Caribbean (Labadee, Foulmouth, Cozumel) on Oasis, in a Superior Ocean View Stateroom with balcony on Deck 11.

 

I/we would appreciate any advice or insight as it relates to packing/preparation, embarkation, the room, navigating the ship, dining, excursions (we haven't booked any yet, debating waiting until we are on the ship or get to each port), debarkation, or anything else you wish you would have known for your first cruise!

 

Thanks in advance! :D

[DHADEN]

I'll give you my"Three Warnings" for newbies:

 

1) Expect to spend the rest of your lives planning and looking forward to yournext cruise.:cool:

 

2) Hope your children get scholarships because you will be spending theirCollege Funds on cruises.;p

 

3) If you don't gain at least 5 pounds, you didn't have enough fun. :D

[kelleigh229]

Welcome! I haven't personally sailed on Oasis...that's upcoming next year, but I definitely suggest that you use these boards to learn tips and tricks. Read some reviews!

 

Some things I will say...

You don't have to book shore excursions through the cruise line...you can find outside vendors that are just as wonderful for a fraction of the price.

 

Don't expect to do everything - enjoy and relax.

 

You should be able to find Cruise Compasses (the daily activity sheet given every day) on here for your cruise...that will give you an idea of what activities are available.

 

There are tons of packing lists out there...pinterest can be your friend! But I'm an over packer, so I may not be the best one to ask!

 

There is nothing like a cruise vacation!!

[cb at sea]

Pack as you would for a land destination in the same climate....summer wear! Your days are spent in swim suits or shorts. For dinner, bring long pants for hubby and collared shirt (golf or polo is fine)...for you, capris, skirt, sundress, etc...are fine.

 

Labadee is the private beach... there's no need to book anything there, unless you really want to zip line or roller coaster! Loungers can go anywhere, and they're free (although you may want to tip the guy who brings your loungers! $2-5 is fine. Lunch is brought from the ship..and your seapass works there, too.

 

Get a guidebook on your other ports (public library!!) and learn something about where you're going....no need for excursions in any of your ports,....but the more info you have in advance, the better time you'll have!

[Surfguyxxx]

Best advice; do not pack too much. A few pairs of shorts, couple of t-shirts, bathing suits, a couple of shirts and pants for dinner and your set. Trust me. Excursions are fine; do a speciality dinner at least one evening; enjoy the meals and watch how hard the crew works for your comfort. Have a blast.

[Teeara]

I would also go over to the First Timers board. You will find a ton of info there.

 

Happy cruising!

 

 

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[Gingermint77]

Hi!

I remember my first cruise - so exciting! I think for me the main thing was that I wasn't mentally prepared for the size of our room/bathroom. I mean, I knew they were going to be small, but seeing it in person was shocking! I don't say that to scare you, but just to encourage you to think about it and plan accordingly when you pack and know that you're not going to have a ton of extra room in the bathroom (ex. there's really no where to leave all your make-up and hair products out on the counter in the bathroom - plan to put that stuff in a drawer in the dresser/desk). And use every little bit of storage the room provides - there's plenty if you just look for it! Shelves in the closet, drawers on the dresser, and you can usually slide your suitcase under the bed to get it out of the way.

 

You won't be able to access your stateroom until around 1pm, so whatever you carry-on with you when you embark, you'll be carrying until at least 1pm. Definitely carry-on what you'll need (meds, maybe swimsuit, etc) but don't carry-on so much that you're miserable lugging it all around.

 

On our first cruise, I didn't really know anything about specialty restaurants, so we didn't book one. (We were also on a smaller ship so maybe only had Chops to choose from). I know opinions will vary on these boards about whether they're worth it, but I think it's definitely worth trying out at least one. Fiance and I did Chops on our last cruise and we both really enjoyed it. Yes, it is an extra cost but we viewed it as an extra "date night" and enjoyed having a "fancy" experience.

 

I'd look at entertainment options in the Cruise Planner online and made advanced reservations. This wasn't an option on my first cruise (I don't think) and honestly we didn't even think about when the shows would be or what entertainment options there were. We didn't get to any shows on my first cruise - partially because I didn't know to look into planning dinner around them and partially because my mom wasn't really into shuffling plans around to go to one. On my last cruise with Fiance, we were sure to check the cruise compass and go to some shows and activities, and we had a great time!

 

Finally, I'll say just be ready to do whatever pops up that looks fun. I never would have imagined that I would end up at the late-night "Singles Dance Party" in the middle of the crowd dancing the night away with my fiance, but we saw it on the schedule, decided to check it out, and had a great time!

[Gingermint77]

I'll give you my"Three Warnings" for newbies:

 

1) Expect to spend the rest of your lives planning and looking forward to yournext cruise.:cool:

 

2) Hope your children get scholarships because you will be spending theirCollege Funds on cruises.;p

 

3) If you don't gain at least 5 pounds, you didn't have enough fun. :D

 

I don't think I've read a more accurate post ever on these boards! :p Great advice!

[Ollevonc]

Was on Oasis 2 years ago. Excellent choice. For a first cruise you will be spoiled.

My advise is to book as much as you can before you get on the boat( shows, dinners, etc). Make sure you book the comedy club. Have lunch ( roast beef sandwich) at park cafe in Central Park and breakfast in the dining room at least once.

Bring magnets( with hooks on them). The walls in your cabin are magnetic. Great for hanging wet bathing suits and any papers.

Bring an over the door shoe rack, great for shoes and also other small things to be stored ( sunblock, pens,post its, high lighter, books, magazines, etc).

Do as much as you want or as little as you want. Just have a good time.

 

 

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[cruzgryphon]

For excursions check out the Ports of Call forum and find your ports there. Lots of good suggestions on things to do and private tour operators

[zdad59]

1. Don't over plan. Give yourself relaxing/nothing time every day. Don't try to do everything. It's not possible, and trying is not fun in the end.
   
2. Try something new. New experience, new food, new shows. Take advantage of all the variety available.
   
3. Don't read too many posts on Cruise Critic. Too many bitch and moan posts. They are a very small minority. If you look for fun and good food, you will find it a plenty.
   

Have a great cruise.

[davekathy]

az_2_nc2013...Welcome to Cruise Critic. Cruise on over to the Roll Call forum and join your Roll Call for your sailing. Good place to communicate with others on your cruise. Also cruise on over to the Ports Of Call forum. Good place to find information concerning your ports of call.

 

[pete1681]

Going on that same cruise! Should be a blast! Relax and enjoy,don't think you have to do everything,pick what is a priority and save some for next cruise.

[tomatecerise]

First time cruiser on Allure last week

 

Tip 1 : Go straight to Solarium Bistro on day 1 for lunch. We were 12 in total. Very good food (Best place to est breakfast after Johnny Rockets

 

Tip 2 : They have chips bags at Park Café at 11 am. Doritos and Salt and vinegar was Gone by day 4

 

Tip 3 : Vitality Café and the fresh juices! The carottes lemonade no Ginger and Oasis fruits was soooooo good! They use premade stuff + fresh fruits to make smoothies. The only place onboard to have smoothies.

 

Tip 4 : Use the free 5$ coupon for the casino. Get out with 16,25$ in my pocket lol!

 

Tip 5 : Captain night = free champagne on Royal Promenade by 8pm or so. The orange drink is awfull, get the champagne!

 

Tip 6 : Not wait the last day to eat ice-cream on pool deck!

 

Tip 7 : Breakfast at Johnny Rockets is piping hot and very good. If you eat outside is more memorable. Get a Jelly donut after, paradise.

 

Tip 8 : You can ask for more food in dining room. 3 desserts if you want, 4 appetizers, 3 lobster tails. You are the boss! By the way, the bread is made onboard (deck 4) and always fresh.

 

Tip 9 : Put your luggage under the bed. We had 32 inches luggages and they Go under the bed without problem.

 

Tip 10 : You think a Cruise is calm, relaxing? Not at all! Activities each hour! Yes!

 

Tip 11 : The sales. So much sales! Be careful, use internet to compare quality.

 

Tip 12 : on last day they sell souvenirs glasses 3 for 10$ plus taxes. What a deal! Was by On Air.

 

Tip 13 : Meet and Mingle arrange for Cruise critic members is fun and you can win prizes! Duration 15 Minutes plus free food.

 

Tip 14 : Have fun!

Edited March 28, 2017 by tomatecerise

[ellenw]

Take a nightcap back to your cabin each night, and sit out on the balcony to enjoy it. No better way to end the day. Start your day out there, too!

 

You can't do it all, so don't feel like you need to. Relax and have fun. Whatever you don't do on this cruise, you can do on your future cruises.

[Rewind]

We were on deck 11 interior forward on Allure for our transatlantic. We have also been to all three of your port stops.

 

Packing - I've been on 7 cruises and I still end up over packing (just not so much anymore). There are only one or two outlets in your cabin and they are on the desk. I recommend a multi USB charger like this one to save space:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-Multi-Port-Samsung/dp/B00VH8ZW02

 

Formal nights - it's kind of a sore subject on these boards. Some people want the old classic "dress to the nines" and others want to be as casual as they can be. I still wear a shirt and tie with nice pants, but it is really up to you.

 

For the ship - it is big. Be prepared to walk (but in a good way). If you are only going up or down a few floors, take the stairs rather than waiting for a long time for an elevator. Don't miss the Aqua Show or the Ice Skating Show. Go watch the Quest.

 

Labadee is a beach day. Sea pass card works for drinks but take cash if you want souvenirs. There is a building with a few vendors that for us was low pressure but there is a wide path with stands that are past the building that are high pressure sales. A polite "no-thank-you" is all you really need and keep walking.

 

Falmouth - we did a private excursion to the Irie Blue Hole which was fun. The port itself is a bit commercialized and I've heard that vendors at the gate can get a bit pushy but we did not experience that ourselves as we got on a bus and left.

 

Cozumel - It is a bit of a maze of shops to get both in and out of the port area (they know they get a captive audience). But they have a very efficient taxi area just past the shops and load people very quickly. We went to Chankanaab park and did the Sea Lion experience. Most people do the dolphin experience here so we were alone with the trainer and the Sea Lion - it was great!

 

Overall I agree with others - don't plan too much and wing it a lot on your first time out. Take time out to relax by the pool, try the flowrider if the mood strikes you, and plan to eat too much for a week.

 

If you do want to plan a few things - check Trip Advisor. Independent tour operators LIVE by their ratings and if they are in the top 10, they have to be fairly excellent.

[widallas]

Welocme to Cruise Critic! We've only been on two cruises, so also still in newbie territory.

We're doing the Western Caribbean (Labadee, Foulmouth, Cozumel) on Oasis, in a Superior Ocean View Stateroom with balcony on Deck 11. Oasis was the first "huge" ship that we saw...dwarfed the Mariner that we were on. Have you chosen your excursions yet?

 

I/we would appreciate any advice or insight as it relates to packing/preparation, embarkation, the room, navigating the ship, dining, excursions (we haven't booked any yet, debating waiting until we are on the ship or get to each port), debarkation, or anything else you wish you would have known for your first cruise!

• All those who say pack lighter...it's true. Have two bathing suits, but pack lightly with clothes and shoes.
  
• Last cruise, we walked...and walked...and walked. Only used the elevator a half dozen times, and those were to get on and off the ship, and when wearing heels. (And this trip, I'm not bringing the heels!) Great way to see the ship...and I only gained 3lbs for the week!
  
• We set a goal to explore a few decks every day...helped us find the shuffleboard and ping pong tables, great spots to sunbath and read, the connoisseur club, the game room, olive and twist, etc. It's a huge ship...have fun with it!
  
• Don't forget those 2 bottles of wine in your carry on. Between three cabins last trip, we took 5 bottles of very good wine...perfect for dinner. (And this time we are taking all 6!)
  
• You may not be a drinker, but trying all the bars (and their specialty drinks) is a lot of fun.
  
• Have you joined the roll call for your sailing? If not...join now! Other CCers (some who have already been on the Oasis) are the best reference...and there may be a cabin crawl, pub run, and meet and mingle scheduled. Also a good place to find out more about excursions and maybe join a group.
  

Have a great cruise!!! Look forward to your review.....

Edited March 28, 2017 by widallas
Added on

[sross6019]

Go with a positive attitude. Know that not everything is going to be perfect. You can't control the weather or the rudeness of some people. Don't try to do everything especially on a huge ship. Relax and enjoy.

[luckyinpa]

i only have 2 NCL cruises under my belt but that more than qualifies me as a fellow newbie to give advice.

 

bring the little things that you cannot find on the ship or will be $$$. nail clippers, tweezers, tiny first aid kit. not everything is available in the store even at a price.

 

for a 7 nite cruise i packed 9 shirts. 2 shorts, 1 jeans, 1 dress pants. i only wore the dress pants once (captains gathering) and saw others there without them. not the end of the world to leave dress up stuff at home

 

i brought rope and the things to attach to the balcony to tie things to dry and never used it.

 

must bring NON surge protected extension cords.

 

prepare for bringing home stuff and leave room or bring a fold up suitcase.

 

make up a list on phone/computer etc and keep adding to it literally when you think of something. then pare it down the closer to your trip if you can.

 

research the ports before you leave home. you dont ever want to leave things up to chance. i had 8 months to research bermuda and it was good i did. dont think you can do research on the ship. you will be having too much fun to really do research.

 

read this forum every day. subscribe to threads that interest you and follow them. every day go back to the 1st few pages and scan for topics that interest you. read read read. everything from the exact em/disembark procedures are here and great reading.

 

read the daily planners posted on this forum to get a general idea of how things work on board and what you can generally expect.

 

put PDFs on your phone of bus schedules. restaurant menus etc etc if you can find them. this helped me out tremendously

[Cruisin'4Us]

Don't walk out of the port area in Falmouth unless you have an excursion arranged.

[Desert Cruizers]

If you find your going to have two suitcases, a carry on and say 25 " to haul everything you want. pack as mentioned anything you willw ant during the day prior to your ship leaving. medication, cameras, anything of valuable pack in your carry on or carry. by hand. For a 7 day cruise ( ladies ) shorts, blouses to match, 4 pair of evening slacks or dress if eating in the dining room, again mix & match your tops. Dining is becoming more 7 more casual on cruises in fact there are changes happening right now on suggested attire. Finally, on the last evening and when packing, be sure you leave clothes out to wear off the ship the next morning. First tip I got from friends, was to relax and go with the flow so to speak and enjoy each day and don't worry about the little problems that might occur. Enjoy your first cruise and i am sure you will be booking more.:)

[ewenix]

Don't walk out of the port area in Falmouth unless you have an excursion arranged.

 

Maybe not by yourself but 2 or more is fine. We shop outside the port area every time we go. My teenagers were apprehensive the first time, but they're used to it now. There are plenty of police in that area, and the folks there just want to sell you something.

[luckyinpa]

you mean leave clothes AND shoes out so you can walk off the ship :)

[az_2_nc2013]

I'll give you my"Three Warnings" for newbies:

 

1) Expect to spend the rest of your lives planning and looking forward to yournext cruise.:cool:

 

2) Hope your children get scholarships because you will be spending theirCollege Funds on cruises.;p

 

3) If you don't gain at least 5 pounds, you didn't have enough fun. :D

 

1. We anticipate it!

 

2. Good thing we don't have kids yet ;)

 

3. We are already being mindful of what we eat and taking it easy on food now, so we can really enjoy ourselves there!

 

Thanks for the advice! :)

[cruzinlisa]

The cabins are small. Very very small. Bathrooms are really small too. Its not like a hotel where you have a big room. I have been in rooms where you barely have room to walk around the bed. Its plenty big enough to serve its purpose (unless you are practicing your dance routine), but be prepared.

 

Also, research the ports to figure out what kinds of things there are available to do and decide what you want to do. You can book an excursion or not. Or you can just get off the ship and figure it out. My first cruise my mom and I did that. We just got off the ship, did a little shopping, and hit up Margaritaville. If you have something you really want to do (snorkeling, ruins, zipline), you might want to consider booking an independent tour or cruise line excursion. If you just want to get off the ship, walk around the port, have some drinks and shop or even go to the beach, you can usually do that on your own.

 

Also, some port specific advice- some ports are cheaper than others for stuff. I have found Cozumel is good for souveniers and trinkets. They also have lots of cheap beach type of bags that you can get for $3-5. We usually will be one to carry our stuff around and then gift it to someone back home. Or use it as a beach bag at ports.